The Generosity of God
The sermon this Sunday is based on the first reading from Jonah and the Parable of the Laborers from Matthew. The texts turn our expectations of what is fair upside down.
In Jonah, God’s forgiveness for all people is illustrated. Jonah was understandably angry at the people of Ninevah, who destroyed portions of Israel and exiled people to a foreign land. However, God forgives them and informs Jonah that He is concerned not just with the people of Israel but with all people, and their animals as well.
In the gospel text, the parable of the landowners challenges the common assumption that God rewards people according to what they have earned or deserved. A landowner hired two sets of laborers. Those who were hired later in the day were paid the same wage as those who were hired in the morning and worked more hours. Was the landowner being unfair? No, instead, this is an illustration of generosity. The landowner wanted everyone to receive what they needed to feed their families, despite differences in the amount of labor they provided.
WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP
Prelude: “Larghetto and Oboe Adagio”, Alessandro Marcello
Welcome and Announcements
Gathering Hymn: “O Worship the King”
Apostolic Greeting
Hymn of Praise
Prayer of the Day
First Reading: Jonah 3:10-4:11
Second Reading: Philippians 1:21-30
Bells of Hope: “Alleluia”, Traditional
Children’s Time
Gospel Acclamation and Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
Sermon: “The Generosity of God”, Pastor Dan Severson
Sermon Hymn: “Lord of All Hopefulness”
Apostles Creed
Prayers of Intercession
The Lord’s Prayer
Offertory: “Prayer”, Beethoven, 1807
Benediction
Sending Hymn: “All My Hope on God is Founded”
Dismissal
Postlude: “Processional March”, C. Armstrong Gibbs
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